The Building

Alfried Krupp College is the result of a succesful conversion of former military barracks into modern and comfortable student accommodation offering space for 190 residents from around the world. Designed by the Hamburg-based architect bureau Böge Lindner, the building is comprised of three former army dorms interlinked at one end by a new structure.

Whilst the old parts of the building were constructed in red brick, the façade of the new structure is dominated by steel and glass. This creates a fascinating melange of architectural styles, symbolising the transformation the entire campus has undergone in being converted from an army base into an international university.

The former army dorms are still being used for housing, though in a far more comfortable manner. Across three floors, students live in modern and bright two-bedroom apartments with a small vestibule and a bathroom. All rooms are furnished and provide a comfortable home away from home.

The new part of the building is dedicated to communal areas as well as single apartments for graduate students. The ground floor houses the canteen, called servery. Meals are served three times a day and students dine overlooking the sports field through an all-glass façade.

The first floor is home to the common rooms. One games room invites students to play pool, air hockey, ping-pong or kickers. A second room is designed as a lounge with comfortable armchairs and a small collection of books. Lastly, the media room offers movie watching experiences par excellence, with a wide screen data projector, a DVD player, a sound system and subscription-only sports channels being available for student use.

The second floor is dedicated to work. The quiet study area, the printing area (where students may use printers and scanners) and the college office can be found on this level. The college office provides students with a wide range of services, such as borrowing tools and games and the organisation of community events. After hours, the office can be used by students as a conference room.

Lastly, the top floor houses the college masters' apartment, residence of Professor Klaus Schömann and his family.

Across the building, there are nine communal kitchens and four small common areas: two small lounges, a group study niche and a smoking lounge. Other facilities include lockers and bike storage areas as well as a party room in the basement.

The building was awarded a prize for excellent architecture by the Association of German Architects (Subcommitte for the State of Bremen), received an Archizinc trophy and is featured on Bremen's official website for modern architecture. All areas except for the basements are fully accessible.